Chase Aeroplan Card: A Solid 60K Bonus for Air Canada Fans

If you've been eyeing a travel card that plays well with a specific airline alliance, the Chase Aeroplan Card might have just popped onto your radar. It's not the flashiest offer out there, but for the right traveler, it can be a real workhorse. Let's break down what this card actually brings to the table, beyond the headline bonus.

Where This Card Really Shines

This isn't a card for everyone. Its sweet spot is squarely with travelers who have a reason to fly Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners. The 3x categories are practical—groceries and dining are common spending areas for many. The real value, though, is in the airline-specific benefits.

The free first checked bag perk can pay for the annual fee in just one round-trip for a couple. If you regularly fly Air Canada, that's a straightforward win. The card also offers a path to Aeroplan Elite Status, which is a nice touch for frequent flyers looking for a boost.

A Closer Look at the Points and Redemption

Aeroplan points are known for their flexibility within the Star Alliance network. You can book flights on Air Canada and over 45 partner airlines. The Chase page mentions economy flights within North America starting as low as 6,000 points, though availability at that rate will vary.

A unique feature for Chase fans is the 10% transfer bonus. If you transfer 50,000 or more Ultimate Rewards points from another Chase card (like a Sapphire) to your Aeroplan account in one go, you'll get a 10% bonus, up to 25,000 extra points per year. This can be a powerful way to top off your balance for a specific award ticket.

Practical Advice and Considerations

Before you apply, do a quick mental check. Do you travel to Canada or through Air Canada hubs often? Does your travel pattern align with Star Alliance airlines? If the answer is no, there might be more flexible general travel cards for you.

Also, pay attention to the eligibility rule. Chase is strict about not giving the bonus to anyone who has received it in the last 24 months or currently has the card. Don't waste a hard credit pull if you're not eligible.

The $3,000 spend requirement in 3 months is very manageable for most, but always have a plan for it that doesn't involve spending money you wouldn't normally spend.

• Calculate the bag fee savings: If you check a bag even twice a year on Air Canada, the card's fee is effectively covered.
• Remember the 3x categories: Maximize your grocery and dining spend on this card to build points quickly.
• Check award availability: Before committing, browse the Aeroplan website to see what kind of award space exists for routes you'd actually use.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Get This Card?

The Chase Aeroplan Card is a niche player, but in its niche, it's excellent. It's ideal for someone who values straightforward airline perks, frequently flies Air Canada, and wants a card with solid everyday earning in common categories. The 60,000-point bonus is a respectable chunk of change toward your next trip.

If you're a points maximizer looking for the highest possible transferable currency, you might look elsewhere. But if you want a card that simplifies travel with a specific airline and offers clear, tangible benefits, this one deserves a close look.

Bottom Line

• The 60k bonus is strong for a $95 annual fee card, especially with the added monthly spending bonus.
• Air Canada loyalists get outsized value from the free checked bag benefit and status boost.
• The 3x on groceries and dining makes it a good earner for everyday spending outside of travel.

Common Questions